Welcome to the 21st installment of our blog series “My Path to Google.” These are real stories from Googlers, interns, and alumni highlighting how they got to Google, what their roles are like, and even some tips on how to prepare for interviews.

Today’s post is all about Anjali Khetan. Read on!

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I grew up in Stamford, CT, before attending college at the University of Pennsylvania. I spent the first two years studying Chemical Engineering, but after Intro to Computer Science (CS), my heart was forever changed, and I transferred to Computer Science!

What’s your role at Google?
I am a Software Engineer (SWE) on Google Maps. My team works on getting live events on the map all over the world! I love our team, because we strive to organize event data and understand how it relates to maps, places, people, and navigation. This means our work fits in with Google’s overall mission, but it also brings delight to users through fun features like drawing rainbow routes for Pride and other events, and showing them cool things to do in their area.

What inspires you to come in every day?
The people! I love our product and the projects we work on, but my colleagues are far and away the best part—I have never worked with or met such an inspiring and fun group of people.

Can you tell us about your decision to enter the process?
This was my third time applying. It's always worth the energy and effort to chase your dreams, but definitely not a smooth road :D. I joined Google right after college.

How did the recruitment process go for you?
I was contacted after being rejected for an internship. Although I had applied for the SWE New Graduate role, the recruiter felt that I would be a great match for the Engineering Residency program, so we went forward with that.

What do you wish you’d known when you started the process?
That showing an interviewer *how* you solve a problem is just as valuable as what your solution is.

Can you tell us more about the resources you used to prep?
I used “Cracking the Coding Interview,” HackerRank, and mock interviews with friends.

To finish, do you have any tips you’d like to share with aspiring Googlers?
When you love something, the work is easy!